We have to fly out of Schiphol this Saturday morning at 8:15 am. I normally would not have scheduled the flight so early but due to circumstances we had no other option. I figure we should arrive at the airport by 6:15 am, but the buses where we are staying in Volendam don’t begin operations until later on weekends. A taxi from Volendam to Schiphol would cost €100. We would like to use Uber which would cost between €45 and €65 but I’ve never used Uber and I’m especially afraid to rely on getting an Uber driver to come at 5:30am. I tried to schedule in advance but am unable to make that feature work here, even after numerous emails with their customer “no service” people who say that it should work. Does anyone have any advice? Any regular Uber users who know of the reliability in The Netherlands?
Posted by
California USA
4100 posts
Is there a Night bus in Volendam, N14? I tried looking at the Moovit schedule and it seems like there is a bus to Amsterdam at 3:14, 4:14, etc but there is a Modified Service message in Dutch only that I don't understand.
Another idea would be to leave Volendam a day early to sleep closer to a Sprinter or train service.
Or pay 100€ for a taxi.
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
That service message is about road works, resulting in a temporary bus stop for the N14 at the Populierenlaan.
The existence of this night bus is amazing, but not ideal. The bus brings you to Amsterdam Centraal, where you have to pick up the train to Schiphol.
I find it all too complicated and risky. I would say it's either a taxi, or a last night in a hotel close to (or at) Schiphol.
Posted by
St. Louis , MO
228 posts
Listen to Ton . That's what I'd do . Several hotels right close to Schiphol with shuttle service to the airport .
Posted by
OP
17 posts
We have considered finding a room close to the airport for that night. However, the hotel we are currently staying is almost €100 per night and we booked it a few months in advance. Therefore we would probably pay more for a room than what we would save on a taxi (and not be refunded for the room presently in use). So, if we must, we will pay the taxi. I hoped there might be an option we weren’t aware of, or some experience with Uber in the Netherlands, which we do not have. Thanks for the input.
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
On second thoughts I'd advice you to bite the bullet and take an airport hotel. The price difference with a taxi gives you a good night's rest with the confidence of not missing your flight. (I had once ordered a taxi to bring me to the railway station for an early morning flight. It didn't arrive. Luckily enough the station is at cycling distance, so I could just, but only just make the train. It's an experience I would rather not repeat.)
Posted by
OP
17 posts
Well, we decided that it wasn’t worth the stress, so we booked a YOTEL at Schiphol airport to spend the night. It was €125 — more than a taxi, but yes, it gives us peace of mind and less rushing on the morning of the flight. So all is well. Thanks for the input.
Posted by
California USA
4100 posts
We can all sleep better knowing you'll effortlessly make your flight on Saturday AM. Thanks for letting us know your decision and have a good flight back.